The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to scale up surveillance and intelligence operations nationwide, with special attention to the North Central, North East, and North West regions.

The directive, communicated through Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin, follows escalating tensions in the Middle East linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The police leadership is moving proactively to prevent any potential spillover effects that could threaten Nigeria’s internal stability.

Under the new order, state commands are to intensify intelligence gathering and deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders. Senior officers have also been instructed to enhance visibility policing around places of worship, public gatherings, and other sensitive locations to deter attempts to exploit global developments for sectarian or ideological unrest.

The police stressed that Nigeria will not serve as a battleground for foreign conflicts, warning that any effort to import external religious or political tensions into the country will attract the full weight of the law.

The move comes after the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) staged a peaceful procession to honour Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Security personnel were strategically deployed nationwide during the protest to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.

Reassuring Nigerians, the Acting IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding. He encouraged the public to report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies.

With heightened global uncertainty, the Nigeria Police Force has adopted enhanced proactive, intelligence-led strategies designed to neutralize threats before they escalate. The security architecture, according to the Force, remains fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any emerging situation.

While the Federal Government has yet to issue a formal statement on the reported killing of Khamenei, the police directive signals a firm stance on preserving national peace and preventing external crises from triggering domestic instability.